Most brands churn out a new “it” handbag each season, but not all of them will become investment pieces that you want to keep and wear forever.

One style that caught my eye recently, however, is the new Diorama bag, which made its first appearance at Christian Dior’s spring/summer 2015 show. It has all the hallmarks of an investment piece – the hardware is understated yet distinguishable (I love the crest-shaped closure and open work chain) while the clean, architectural shape is timeless. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or across the body so it’s functional too.

Of course you can’t forget that subtle reference to Dior’s DNA, with most styles featuring a tweaked element of its iconic Cannage pattern whether its oversized, embroidered or inset.

But what really convinced me were those playful fashion touches that take it from boring to covetable. Like any other bag it comes in a range of luxe materials like lambskin and python with plenty of colour combos (ranging from funky to classic), but it’s all about the finishings. Each style is transformed into a contemporary artwork with 3D textures , drawings or even embellishments of flowers and badges. The workmanship is not your standard variety and is created by hand at Dior’s ateliers for a couture touch.

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About Us

Divia Harilela is the former fashion editor of Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post and a much-quoted, extremely well-dressed authority on the fashion and luxury worlds in Asia. She founded her fashion website, The D’Vine, in April 2011. Read more